Women’s State of Origin decider, All Stars to bring $8m to Townsville economy

Millions of dollars will be pumped into the region with a second major rugby league event added to Townsville’s event calendar.

2023 QLD Women's State of Origin team members from Townsville. Tallisha Harden, Emma Manzelmann, Shaniah Power and China Polata.

The NRL has revealed Townsville will play host to the Women’s State of Origin decider, contributing millions of dollars to the region.

The city will host two NRL showpiece events, with the All Stars game and the decider planned for Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The pair are set to pump about $8m into Townsville.

The NRL revealed on Monday that the Women’s State of Origin decider would be held in Townsville, with the competition moving to a three-game format.

Game one will be held at Suncorp Stadium and game two at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Last week that it was announced that the All Stars games between the Indigenous and Māori male and female teams would also be played in Townsville.

The two nights of NRL action are expected to bring about 15,000 visitors to Townsville.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the city embraced the Women’s State of Origin in 2023 with a monster crowd of more than 18,200 people.

Tarryn Aiken of the Maroons is tackled during game two of the women's State of Origin series between NSW Skyblues and Queensland Maroons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 22, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Seeing Townsville on the national stage hosting blockbuster sporting and live music events was our vision for this stadium and the reason we built it and it’s safe to say that is what it’s delivering,” he said.

“Townsville is the events capital of Northern Australia and seeing it come alive with epic events is great for the local economy and engages more visitors to experience everything our incredible region has to offer.

“As Queenslanders, we like to say that rugby league runs in our blood. We’re the home of rugby league and to have these incredible games held in Townsville is testament to what is truly rugby league heartland.

“The All Stars and Women’s State of Origin games are expected to inject a combined $8m into the local economy and help to showcase the diverse offerings of the region.” 

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said securing the event two years running is a testament to the city’s events capability.

“Hosting the Women’s State of Origin two years in a row is truly confirming Townsville as not only the home of NRL but the epicentre of Women’s sport,” Ms Brumme-Smith

said.

The crowd is seen during game two of the women's State of Origin series between New South Wales Skyblues and Queensland Maroons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 22, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The footy fever doesn’t end with special events either, with the Cowboys 2024 season draw revealing that Queensland won’t have to wait long for derbies.

In round one, the Cowboys will take on the Redcliffe Dolphins at Suncorp, and in round four, the Cowboys will do battle with the Broncos at home.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said last year the team was fortunate that more than 20,000 people attended the stadium for every home game.

“We’ve never done that before,” he said.

“That is a testament again to North Queenslanders who continue to come out in droves, North Queenslanders who travel over four hours to get to the game.

“Ten per cent of those 20,000 people travelled four hours plus to get here. 30 per cent of those people travel one hour.

“I don’t think there’s any other team in the league that enjoys the passionate support that we do from our members in North Queensland.”

Originally published as Women’s State of Origin decider, All Stars to bring $8m to Townsville economy